The Virginia Tech School of Architecture Center for Design Research (CDR), in collaboration with faculty from Brandeis University, University of Rhode Island (URI) and The Kenya National Museum and University of Dar es Salaam, is conducting an immersive field study on Mafia Island in Tanzania. Mafia Island, home to the ~320 square mile Mafia Island Marine Park, sits within the Tanzanian Mafia Archipelago and lies approximately 80 miles southeast of major port city Dar es Salaam. The coast of the island is rich with Material Culture including artifacts from ancient Roman developments to the slave trades ending in the early 20th century. 

The study marks the start of a multi-year, multi-faceted community engagement and conservation initiative that includes the survey of multiple maritime archaeological excavation sites, the creation of a research institute supporting local and global trans-disciplinary teams, and the development of the new ‘Mafia Island Museum of Maritime Material Culture and Natural History’ (working title) that will provide experiential education opportunities for residents of Mafia Island—all to help support the growing cultural and ecological tourism economy on the island. 

“The scope of the project enables the convergence of multiple disciplines, communities, and cultures. It represents a holistic approach to archaeological exploration, education, and preservation while providing an experiential learning opportunity for students from Mafia Island and from our respective universities,” says Dr. Alexandra Ratzlaff, a Maritime Archaeologist from Brandeis University. 

Team meets with students and teachers from ‘Shule ya msingi mlambani’, a primary school in Kilindoni village who will be key stakeholders in the museum.
Team meets with students and teachers from ‘Shule ya msingi mlambani’, a primary school in Kilindoni village who will be key stakeholders in the museum.

According to CDR co-Director Dr. Nathan King, “The collaboration is a natural fit for the CDR’s expanding engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa which currently includes active projects in Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Liberia, Kenya, and Tanzania.”  The CDR leverages advanced digital design and construction technologies to enhance the impact of research. At Brandeis, the TECHNE group led by Dr. Ratzlaff is exploring the utilization of similar technologies for archaeology in the laboratory and in the field. 

For Dr. King, “The opportunity to position symbiotic technological approaches as the nexus for collaboration between disciplines while also working closely with a range of stakeholders and community members provides a rare opportunity for our students and faculty to have sustained impact beyond the boundaries of the universities.” 

The current project team includes Dr. Caesar Bita, of the Kenya National Museum; Dr. Alexandra Ratzlaff, of Brandeis University; Dr. Bridget Buxton of the University of Rhode Island; Dr. Nathan King, Co-Director Center for Design Research at Virginia Tech; Dr. Pastory Bushozi, University of Dar es Salaam; and Industry partner Allison Keiley, an Executive Producer focusing on visitor experience for museums, cultural institutions, and their communities.

The project site was recently featured on Discovery Channel’s program “Expedition Unknown” with Josh Gates; ongoing field immersion will be completed by the end of August 2024. The work will be integrated into Dr. King’s course “Technologies for Impact and Inclusion” during the fall 2024 semester at Virginia Tech and Dr. Ratzlaff’s course “Ancient Technologies:Modern Innovations” course at  Brandeis University. For more information and to learn how to get involved please contact nathanking@vt.edu.